For patients, caregivers, and athletes navigating rotator cuff repair surgery — from the day before your procedure through full return to overhead activity, sport, and work.
The rotator cuff tears gradually, or all at once. Either way, the decision to repair it surgically is the beginning of a recovery that demands patience, precision, and a clear understanding of what is actually happening inside your shoulder.
Rotator cuff repair is one of the most commonly performed orthopedic surgeries in the United States, with more than 460,000 procedures annually. The surgery itself — most often performed arthroscopically, as an outpatient procedure under regional anesthesia — is well understood and reliably successful. The recovery is a different matter. It is long, it is phased, and it places significant responsibility on the patient to protect the repair during the weeks when the tendon is most vulnerable, while simultaneously progressing through a rehabilitation program that requires consistent effort over months.
This guide covers the anatomy of the rotator cuff and why it tears, what the repair actually does to the tissue, why inflammation and pain management in the shoulder carry specific clinical weight, how to integrate cold and compression therapy across the full recovery arc, and what return to full function actually looks like when the process is done right.
Understanding the Rotator Cuff and Why It Tears
Four muscles, one complex mechanical system — and why it is uniquely vulnerable to both injury and difficult recovery.
What the Rotator Cuff Does
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the glenohumeral joint — the ball-and-socket joint where the upper arm meets the shoulder blade. The four muscles are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. Together they perform two functions: rotating and lifting the arm, and, more critically, compressing the humeral head against the glenoid socket to stabilize the joint during movement. Without adequate rotator cuff function, the shoulder is mechanically unstable. Reaching overhead, throwing, pushing, and even carrying objects at the side all depend on the rotator cuff firing correctly to keep the joint centered.
The supraspinatus is the most commonly torn tendon — it runs along the top of the humeral head and is the primary initiator of arm elevation. It also passes through a narrow anatomical corridor called the subacromial space, which makes it susceptible to impingement from the bony structures above it. The infraspinatus and teres minor handle external rotation and are frequently torn in conjunction with the supraspinatus in larger tears. The subscapularis is the anterior muscle, responsible for internal rotation, and is less commonly torn in isolation.
Who Tears Their Rotator Cuff
Rotator cuff tears fall into two broad categories: acute traumatic tears and degenerative tears from cumulative overuse and tissue aging.
Common Rotator Cuff Tear Populations
Adults over 40 — Degenerative tears increase significantly with age. Partial and full-thickness tears are present in more than 50% of adults over 60, many without symptoms.
Overhead athletes — Baseball pitchers, swimmers, tennis players, and volleyball players place high-repetition, high-load demands on the rotator cuff throughout their careers.
Manual laborers and tradespeople — Repetitive overhead work, heavy lifting, and sustained shoulder loading accelerate tendon degeneration and increase acute injury risk.
Fall injuries at any age — Acute full-thickness tears from a fall onto an outstretched arm or a direct blow to the shoulder affect patients of all activity levels.
Post-dislocation patients — Shoulder dislocations, particularly in adults over 40, frequently involve concurrent rotator cuff tears that are initially overlooked.
Tear Classification: What Drives the Surgical Decision
Rotator cuff tears are classified by thickness (partial versus full thickness), size (small, medium, large, massive), the number of tendons involved, and tissue quality. These factors directly determine the surgical approach, the repair construct, and the rehabilitation timeline.
| Tear Type | Description | Full Recovery Estimate |
|---|---|---|
|
Small (<1 cm) |
Single tendon, partial or small full-thickness involvement. Good tissue quality. |
~4 months |
|
Medium (1–3 cm) |
Full-thickness, single tendon. Most common surgical presentation. |
~6 months |
|
Large (3–5 cm) |
Multi-tendon involvement. Tissue quality and retraction become surgical factors. |
6–9 months |
|
Massive (>5 cm) |
Two or more tendons. Potential fatty infiltration, significant retraction, complex repair. |
9–12+ months |
Tears tend to enlarge over time. Partial tears become full-thickness tears. Full-thickness tears extend into adjacent tendons. Chronic tears develop fatty infiltration in the muscle belly, which reduces the capacity for healing and functional recovery regardless of repair quality. This is one reason orthopedic surgeons typically recommend addressing tears that have failed conservative treatment within a reasonable window rather than deferring surgery indefinitely.
Why Inflammation Management Matters More Than Most Patients Expect
The shoulder's pain profile after repair is specific — and the clinical case for consistent cold therapy starts on the night of surgery.
Post-surgical shoulder pain has a distinctive character that separates rotator cuff repair from knee or hip procedures. The glenohumeral joint is enclosed by the shoulder capsule, and post-operative inflammation accumulates there with limited room to distribute. Patients consistently report that the worst pain after rotator cuff repair occurs in the first two to three nights, peaking when the nerve block from surgery wears off, typically 12–18 hours post-operatively. That window is when cold therapy has its most measurable clinical effect on pain scores, analgesic use, and sleep quality.
Research on cryotherapy following shoulder surgery has shown that patients who received consistent cold therapy in the immediate post-operative period reported lower pain severity, slept better on the night of surgery, and used less pain medication compared to control groups. The effect is most pronounced in the first ten days — which is also when the healing tendon is most vulnerable, the sling is most restrictive, and patients are most dependent on non-pharmacological pain management to make the early days of recovery tolerable.
There is also a direct effect on your physical therapy progress. When the shoulder is swollen and painful, the brain sends signals that partially shut down the muscles around it — a protective response that can actually work against your recovery. The shoulder muscles, the upper arm, and the muscles across the upper back all become harder to activate and control when the joint is inflamed. This means that even if you are doing the exercises your PT prescribes, your muscles may not be firing fully enough to make the work count. Managing swelling consistently in the early weeks is not simply about comfort — it is about keeping your muscles responsive enough that physical therapy can actually do its job.
Tendon-to-Bone Healing Window
6–8 Weeks
The time required for the repaired tendon to biologically reattach to bone — before active strengthening can begin
The tendon does not simply re-adhere the way a bandage holds skin. New tissue grows across the repair site in three stages: inflammation (days 0–7), proliferation (days 5–21), and remodeling (weeks 3 onward). Consistent cold and compression therapy during the first two stages supports the conditions for healthy healing without disrupting the repair construct.
The Sleep Problem After Rotator Cuff Repair
Shoulder pain is notoriously disruptive to sleep, and rotator cuff repair intensifies that disruption. Patients cannot lie on the operated side. Supine positioning often causes the arm to rotate internally as muscles relax, which stresses the repair. Many patients sleep in a recliner for the first several weeks. Pain peaks at night because the body's cortisol levels — which have natural anti-inflammatory effects — drop during sleep. Ice packs placed on the shoulder before bed are cold for 20 minutes and gone well before the pain window opens. A device that runs through the night, holding a consistent temperature against the joint without requiring the patient to refill or reposition anything, addresses the most significant pain management gap in early rotator cuff recovery.
Rotator Cuff Recovery Phase by Phase
A 4–12 month arc with distinct biological constraints at each phase — and cold and compression therapy supporting every one of them.
| Phase | Primary Goals | Key Milestones | Temp Guidance | Cold + Compression Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Protection Weeks 0–6 |
Protect the repair. Manage pain. Allow passive motion only. Maintain sling compliance. |
Wound closure, swelling reduction, full passive forward elevation, no active muscle firing |
Moderate (54–58°F). Supports swelling and pain control without restricting early healing circulation. Per surgeon protocol. |
3–5 sessions daily; reduces pain for PT visits, supports overnight sleep, reduces opioid reliance |
|
Active ROM Weeks 6–12 |
Begin active-assisted motion. Restore full range in all planes. Normalize scapular mechanics. |
Active-assisted elevation to 90°+, external rotation to neutral, sling discontinuation, normalized daily activities |
Therapeutic range. Post-session swelling management as loading begins. |
After every PT session; manages post-motion swelling that can inhibit subsequent session quality |
|
Early Strengthening Weeks 12–20 |
Isometric then isotonic rotator cuff and scapular strengthening. Full ROM. Pain-free ADLs. |
Full passive and active ROM in all planes, pain-free isometrics, shoulder cleared for light functional use |
Therapeutic range. Cooling without restricting the strengthening-phase loading response. |
Post-session; prevents loading-response inflammation from setting back ROM and strength gains |
|
Progressive Strengthening Weeks 20–26 |
Progressive resistance training. Scapulothoracic strength. Sport or work-specific preparation. |
Pain-free resistance training, symmetrical scapular mechanics, shoulder cleared for light overhead activity |
Therapeutic range. Supports recovery between progressive loading sessions. |
Post-session; continued compliance protects tendon integrity during highest-demand strengthening phase |
|
Return to Activity Months 6–12+ |
Sport-specific or work-specific loading. Overhead activities. Return to throwing, lifting, competition. |
Pain-free overhead activity, symmetrical strength testing, surgeon clearance for sport or occupation |
Moderate. Post-training and post-activity as directed by care team. |
Post-activity; tendon continues maturing at return-to-sport date — recovery discipline carries forward |
Protection Phase — Weeks 0–6
The most critical window for protecting the repair — and the window where cold therapy has its most direct clinical impact.
The sling is non-negotiable. Active muscle contraction against the repaired tendon in the first six weeks risks gap formation at the repair site, which compromises healing and may require re-operation. Your physical therapist will move your arm passively during this phase — pendulum exercises, passive elevation with a pulley, gentle external rotation to neutral. Your job is to protect the repair outside of PT sessions, manage pain consistently so that PT sessions are productive, and apply cold and compression 3–5 times daily. Post-operative pain in the first two weeks is most effectively managed with consistent cold therapy between medication doses. The NICE1 shoulder wrap runs through the night, covering the hours when pharmaceutical pain management is least convenient and when shoulder pain is typically at its worst.
Early win to target: Wound closure without signs of infection by day 10. Consistent reduction in swelling from week one to week two. Passive elevation reaching 90° by week three, per surgeon protocol.
Active Range of Motion — Weeks 6–12
The shoulder begins to move under its own power — and every session creates an inflammatory response that needs to be managed.
At six weeks, the tendon has established initial attachment to bone, and the surgeon typically clears active-assisted motion. The sling comes off. PT sessions become more demanding: active-assisted elevation, external rotation work, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Each session creates post-exercise swelling. Patients who do not apply cold and compression after PT sessions frequently report stiffness the following morning that makes the next session harder. Applying the NICE1 within 30 minutes of every session, and again in the evening following heavier sessions, keeps the inflammatory cycle from eroding the range of motion gains that this phase is built around.
Milestone to protect: Full passive range of motion in all planes — elevation, external rotation, and internal rotation — must be achieved before the strengthening phases begin. ROM deficits that persist into week 12 are far harder to address and extend the entire timeline.
Early Strengthening — Weeks 12–20
The repaired tendon is secure enough for loading — but not immune to setback from overdoing it.
Isometric exercises begin first — contracting the rotator cuff muscles without moving the joint. Within weeks, isotonic strengthening follows: light resistance band work for external and internal rotation, scapular stabilization exercises, light deltoid strengthening. The shoulder is not pain-free in this phase. Post-session soreness is expected and acceptable. Morning stiffness or pain that is worse the day after a session than the day of is a signal the load exceeded the tissue's tolerance. Apply cold and compression after every session. Track how the shoulder responds overnight. If swelling is present the next morning, reduce load and increase cold therapy frequency before reporting to your PT.
What to watch: The scapula should move symmetrically — check in a mirror that both shoulder blades track the same way during arm elevation. Scapular dyskinesis (a shrug or winging pattern on the operated side) indicates insufficient activation of stabilizing muscles and needs PT attention before loading increases.
Progressive Strengthening — Weeks 20–26
The phase that determines functional outcome — and where the recovery protocol is most often relaxed prematurely.
Resistance progresses. Closed-chain exercises begin. Sport or work-specific preparation replaces generic shoulder rehab. For overhead athletes — swimmers, tennis players, pitchers — this phase introduces sport-specific loading patterns under controlled conditions. The tendon is still remodeling. The muscle is still rebuilding its pre-injury strength base. The temptation to declare the shoulder "fixed" and reduce recovery protocol compliance is strongest here, and it is where the recovery discipline built in earlier phases matters most. Consistent post-session cold and compression through the strengthening program protects the tissue integrity that progressive loading requires.
Return to Activity — Months 6–12+
Clearance is criteria-based, not calendar-based. Time heals the tissue — testing confirms the function.
Return to sport, recreation, or physically demanding work requires surgeon clearance based on objective criteria: symmetrical range of motion, strength testing at or near the uninjured side, and pain-free performance of the target activities. Most patients return to non-contact sports by four to six months. Return to contact sports or heavy overhead occupational demands typically requires six to twelve months, depending on repair size and tissue quality. Continue post-activity cold and compression through the first competitive season or return-to-work period. The tendon is still undergoing final remodeling at the date of return, and the recovery tools that protected the tissue through rehabilitation have the same value in the early return-to-activity period.
Delivered to Your Door
Rent the NICE1 by the week. An authorized distributor in your area will contact you within 3–5 business days to schedule delivery. Your unit arrives ready to use before day one of recovery.
Rent a NICE1The NICE1: Precision Cold and Compression for Rotator Cuff Recovery
The clinical standard trusted by orthopedic surgeons and professional sports medicine teams — available to every patient at every level.
The NICE1 from NICE Recovery Systems is a precision cold and compression system built for the clinical demands of post-surgical recovery. For rotator cuff patients, its specific advantages are concentrated in the two areas where conventional cold therapy falls short: overnight coverage and temperature consistency. Both matter more for shoulder recovery than for most other post-surgical applications.
"For post-surgery recovery, I can't recommend NICE enough."
Dr. Tom Hackett, Orthopedic Surgeon and Partner, The Steadman Clinic
Overnight Coverage Without Interruption
Runs continuously — no refills, no repositioning, no waking a caregiver at 3am.
Shoulder pain after rotator cuff repair peaks at night. Ice packs placed before bed are room temperature within 30 minutes of the cortisol drop that allows pain to surface. The NICE1 runs on the same temperature setting at hour six of the night as at hour one. Patients and their caregivers consistently cite the first two post-operative weeks as the period where uninterrupted overnight cold therapy produces the most meaningful quality-of-life difference — less pain, better sleep, lower analgesic consumption the following morning.
Precision Temperature Control
Digital touchscreen. ±1°C accuracy. The same temperature at minute one as at minute sixty.
The NICE1 uses a closed-loop thermoelectric chiller — the same technology class as precision lab cooling systems — to hold its set temperature without ice, without drift, and without any manual intervention. For rotator cuff recovery, this matters because the therapeutic temperature target changes by phase. Moderate cooling in the acute protection phase supports healing without restricting the circulation that new tissue requires. As the recovery progresses and post-session inflammation management becomes the priority, precision temperature control allows your care team to dial in the right setting for each phase rather than applying generic cold and hoping for the best.
Anatomically Designed Shoulder Wrap
Engineered to conform to the shoulder joint — including the posterior capsule where post-surgical swelling concentrates.
The shoulder is not a flat surface, and cold therapy applied to the anterior shoulder alone does not reach the glenohumeral joint or the subacromial space where post-surgical inflammation accumulates. The NICE1 shoulder wrap is anatomically engineered for full shoulder coverage, ensuring consistent thermal contact across the joint regardless of position. This is particularly relevant for the early protection phase, when the patient is sleeping in a sling and cannot easily reposition a conventional ice pack during the night.
Programmable Active Compression
13–39 mmHg. Customizable on/off cycle timing. Cold and compression delivered simultaneously.
Compression supports the lymphatic and venous return that moves post-surgical fluid away from the joint. The NICE1 delivers active, programmable compression with cycle timing adjustable by the minute — not static pressure from elevated gravity or a single preset level. Sensitive post-operative tissue in the first weeks of protection requires different compression intervals than tissue recovering from a PT session at week sixteen. The ability to adjust compression settings across the recovery arc, in consultation with your care team, is part of what makes the NICE1 appropriate for the full rotator cuff recovery timeline rather than just the acute phase.
Validated Across 250,000+ Procedures
Used by professional sports organizations and recommended by orthopedic surgeons.
The NICE1 is trusted by professional teams across the NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, and international soccer, including the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Steelers, Colorado Avalanche, Manchester United, and Atlanta Hawks. Orthopedic surgeons at institutions like The Steadman Clinic specify NICE1 for their post-surgical patients as the standard of care for home cold compression therapy — including shoulder procedures. That same clinical standard is available to every rotator cuff repair patient through the rental program.
Practical Guidance for Patients and Caregivers
What the best-prepared rotator cuff repair patients do before, during, and after surgery.
Before Surgery
Ask your surgeon about the NICE1 before your procedure. Orthopedic surgeons who regularly manage rotator cuff repair have direct experience with cold compression systems. Ask which device they recommend and whether they prescribe the NICE1 for shoulder patients.
Arrange your rental at least 7 days before your surgery date. Come home to a system that is set up and ready. The first night after rotator cuff repair is the most difficult — having the NICE1 in place before the nerve block wears off is the difference between manageable pain and a very hard night.
Ask your surgeon about pre-surgical cooling. Precision cold therapy creates the optimal biological environment for healing. Using the NICE1 in the days before surgery can reduce pre-operative inflammation and improve the starting conditions for repair. Ask your surgeon whether pre-operative use is appropriate for your situation.
Set up a sleeping position before surgery. Most rotator cuff repair patients sleep in a recliner or semi-reclined position for the first two to four weeks. A recliner, a wedge pillow, or an adjustable bed position should be in place before you come home from surgery. Have your NICE1 shoulder wrap set up within reach.
Prepare your caregiver. Rotator cuff recovery requires meaningful caregiver support in the first two to four weeks — particularly for dressing, bathing, meal preparation, and managing the sling. Brief your caregiver on the sling protocol, the NICE1 operation, and the activity restrictions before surgery.
The Post-Session Protocol
Apply this sequence after every PT session and every loading session throughout recovery
Apply NICE1 within 30 minutes of finishing the session
15–20 minutes, or as directed by your surgical and sports medicine team
In the protection phase (weeks 0–6), apply 3–5 times daily regardless of activity level
Apply again in the evening following any session that produces notable post-session swelling or stiffness
Use overnight during the acute protection phase — the shoulder is most painful at night and this is the NICE1's highest-value use case in rotator cuff recovery
Track shoulder response: morning stiffness or swelling after a training session is a signal to reduce load and increase cold therapy frequency — report it to your PT
Warning Signs That Require Prompt Attention
Sudden sharp pain with a pop or giving-way sensation — possible re-tear; stop activity immediately and contact your care team
Fever, increasing wound redness, warmth, or discharge — signs of infection requiring immediate medical attention
Loss of passive range of motion that was previously achieved — possible capsular adhesion (frozen shoulder) developing; requires prompt PT evaluation
Significant swelling that develops rapidly following activity — acute joint reaction; reduce load and contact your care team before continuing the program
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand — possible nerve involvement; contact your surgical team for evaluation
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon and PT
Bring these to your pre-operative appointment and early PT sessions.
Ask your surgeon about the NICE1 and whether they recommend it for your procedure. Ask what temperature settings they suggest for your acute phase and how that should change as you progress. Ask whether pre-operative cold therapy is appropriate. Ask your PT what constitutes an acceptable post-session response versus a signal to pull back on load. Ask about the specific ROM and strength milestones that will govern your progression between phases. Specific settings and protocol guidance should always come from your care team — they know your tear size, tissue quality, repair construct, and individual healing factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about rotator cuff repair recovery, cold therapy, and renting the NICE1.
How long does rotator cuff repair recovery actually take?
It depends on the size of the tear and the tissue quality at the time of repair. Small single-tendon tears with good tissue quality typically reach full recovery by four months. Medium tears take approximately six months. Large and massive tears involving multiple tendons can require nine to twelve months or longer. These are full-recovery estimates — most patients resume daily activities and light work within six to twelve weeks, but return to full overhead function and sport takes significantly longer.
Why is shoulder pain worse at night after rotator cuff repair?
Two factors compound overnight shoulder pain. The body's natural cortisol levels — which carry anti-inflammatory effects — drop during sleep, removing a physiological buffer that helps manage pain during waking hours. Simultaneously, sustained immobility during sleep allows inflammatory fluid to accumulate in the shoulder joint and the subacromial space without the mechanical assistance that movement provides. The combination creates the characteristic pattern of waking pain and morning stiffness that most rotator cuff repair patients experience in the first several weeks. Cold therapy running through the night addresses both the thermal and inflammatory component of this cycle.
Can I use the NICE1 while wearing my sling?
Yes. The NICE1 shoulder wrap is designed to work with the arm in the sling position. Apply the wrap to the shoulder as directed, then replace the sling over it. The device sits on a nightstand or nearby surface and does not need to be elevated or repositioned during the session. Your care team will confirm the exact configuration appropriate for your repair and sling type.
Is cold therapy safe for tendon healing?
Cold therapy within the therapeutic temperature range — approximately 45–55°F for NICE1 — supports the healing environment by controlling inflammation without restricting the circulation that new tissue requires. Excessive cold below this range can restrict peritendinous blood flow and delay healing. Uncontrolled ice packs, which begin far colder than therapeutic and drift toward room temperature unpredictably, carry more risk of both overcooling in early minutes and undercooling as the session progresses. Precision temperature control within the therapeutic range is the safest and most consistent approach. Ask your care team about the specific settings appropriate for your phase.
How far in advance should I arrange my rental?
Arrange your rental at least seven days before your surgery date. The process involves filling out the rental form and being contacted by an authorized distributor in your area within 3–5 business days to confirm delivery details. Your unit arrives ready to use. The first night home from rotator cuff repair is the hardest — having the NICE1 in place before surgery gives you the best possible starting point.
What wrap does the NICE1 use for rotator cuff repair?
The NICE1 shoulder wrap is anatomically designed for full glenohumeral joint coverage. Contact the NICE1 team before your surgery date to confirm wrap availability for your specific procedure and shoulder anatomy. NICE1 also offers wraps for the elbow, wrist, knee, hip, ankle, lumbar, and other joints — if you have multiple surgical needs or a bilateral procedure, ask about wrap availability for each site.
What does it cost to rent?
Rental pricing is set by authorized distributors and varies by region and rental duration. For most rotator cuff repair patients whose primary acute recovery need spans the first six to twelve weeks, renting is the most cost-effective approach compared to purchasing outright. Contact an authorized distributor for current pricing in your area.
Clinical References
Research supporting the use of cold therapy and cold compression in post-operative shoulder recovery.
1. Speer KP, Warren RF, Horowitz L. The efficacy of cryotherapy in the postoperative shoulder. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 1996;5(1):62–68. PubMed 8919444
2. Singh H, Osbahr DC, Holovacs TF, Cawley PW, Speer KP. The efficacy of continuous cryotherapy on the postoperative shoulder: a prospective, randomized investigation. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2001. ResearchGate
3. Postoperative cryotherapy in joints other than the knee: a systematic review of pain, edema, analgesic use, and blood loss in the shoulder, hand, hip, and ankle joints. PMC11954574
4. Cryotherapy in postoperative shoulder surgery: a systematic review. Therapeutic Hypothermia and Temperature Management. 2024. doi:10.1089/ther.2023.0071
5. Rotator cuff repair: post-operative rehabilitation concepts. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. 2018. PMC5825343
Reserve Before Your Surgery Date
The rental process takes three steps: fill out the form, schedule with your local distributor, and receive delivery. Your unit arrives ready to use before day one of recovery.
Rent a NICE1A Recovery Worth Protecting
The surgery repairs the tendon. The recovery determines the outcome.
Rotator cuff repair has excellent long-term outcomes when the recovery is managed well. Patients who protect the repair during the critical early weeks, progress through physical therapy with consistent effort, and manage inflammation throughout every phase return to full shoulder function, overhead activity, and sport. The surgery is the starting point. What happens over the following months is largely within your control.
The NICE1 is part of the recovery environment that gives the repair the best possible conditions to heal. Trusted across more than 250,000 procedures, recommended by orthopedic surgeons, and built specifically for the clinical demands of post-surgical recovery — it is the same precision cold and compression system used by professional sports medicine teams, available to every patient through the rental program.
Talk to your surgeon. Arrange the rental before your procedure. Apply it consistently — from the first night home through return to full activity. The discipline you bring to the recovery is what the surgery earns you the right to do.
Rent a NICE1
Trusted across more than 250,000 procedures. Recommended by orthopedic surgeons. Delivered to your door, ready for day one.
Rent a NICE1This guide is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Recovery timelines and rehabilitation protocols vary by tear size, repair type, tissue quality, and individual patient factors including age and activity level. Always follow the specific post-operative instructions provided by your surgical care team.